Mason Bob Evans closes after 24 years

After 24 years, the Mason Bob Evans restaurant at 2629 Water Park Drive is closing its doors.

After 24 years in business, the Mason Bob Evans restaurant is closing on April 14.(Photo: Google)

MASON After 24 years, the Mason Bob Evans restaurant at 2629 Water Park Drive is closing its doors.

Employees of the corporate-owned store near The Beach Waterpark off Interstate 71 say they were told last week the restaurant would close Monday.

Store Manager Andrew Toft said the Columbus-based chain has been working in recent years to remodel its 562 restaurants across the nation to include new "Taste of the Farm" bakeries, dedicated carry-out areas, redesigned retail areas and decor changes.

Due to the age of the Mason building, the cost to remodel would be too high, Toft said.

The eatery has long been a popular draw for both tourists and locals, including several large groups that met weekly at the restaurant, he said.

"We have all kind of groups who come here: a sheriff's group that comes once a month, ladies who play cards each week, church groups," Toft said. "Now they'll have to go to Lebanon or Mason-Montgomery."